Today’s Readings:
Ecclesiastics 48:1-4, 9-12;
Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19
Matthew 17:10-13
Today, I have received a new understanding of the person of Elijah and the power that God gave to Him. He was awesome in the way he used this power. The Book of Sirach states his resume very well:
It was he who brought famine to the people.
By the word of the Lord, he shut up the heavens, he also, three times, brought down fire.
He was taken up in the whirlwind of fire, in a chariot with fiery horses;
He allayed God’s wrath before the fury breaks, to turn the hearts of fathers towards their children, and to restore the tribes of Jacob.
Over 600 years later, John the Baptist felt the power of God stirring within him and he accessed that power which Elijah had recognized and used it to call Israel to a baptism of repentance from sin and prepared them for the baptism of Christ. And of course, some did not listen to him. Yet, his God-given power was undeniable because he knew who he was, and he cooperated with grace.
The problem today is not that Christians are powerless. It is rather that they do not know the power they carry. Most of us do not know the power that resides in us. We do not know that we can speak and kingdoms (human and spiritual) will tremble. We do not know that the host of angels waits on us, willing us to raise our voices in praise and worship to God and they will swiftly transport our petitions before the Divine Majesty. We do not realise that we are meant to be the heralds and bringers of blessings and good fortunes wherever we go. Nosa (the Nigerian Gospel singer) put it well when he said, our ancestors in the faith “held God to ransom” with their prayers.
What are we doing, we who claim to be “a new creation”? Do you want the power of Elijah?
Recognise that God (The Great One) dwells in you under your baptism.
You are empowered with the gifts of the Holy Spirit in Confirmation.
Your eyes are blessed to feed on God’s Word.
Your lips are blessed to confess blessings and forgiveness.
Your body is built to be fruitful. Your body is not for death in sin.
Your feet are made to walk on the path of favour and righteousness.
Your hands are blessed to point others upwards to the glory of God.
Your life is meant to convict others of their sins.
The power of Elijah is yours for the taking.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I claim once more the power that you have given me, in Jesus' name.
I want to be a vessel of your blessings for my family, among my peers, and for my generation through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Grant us, Lord, the power you gave to Elijah, to root out evil from our lives and our world, to build up and bless everyone we know and to spread your kingdom of love and peace far and wide, in Jesus name. Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ, be my King. Set up your throne in my heart and reign over my life. Help me by your grace to serve others with my gifts and so merit reigning with you for eternity. Amen.
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